Comparative texturometric analysis of hydrogels based on cellulose derivatives, carraghenates, and alginates:...

This paper reports a texturometric study of hydrogels based on cellulose derivatives, carraghenates (with or without Na+ or K+), and alginates (associated or not with Ca++). The stiffness, elasticity, and cohesiveness are evaluated and the influence of the nature and the concentration of gelling agent on the adhesiveness, an indicator of bioadhesion, is discussed. The highest adhesiveness values are found among the semi-stiff gels, particularly with those based on either sodium or potassium alginate, or cellulose derivatives. The least satisfactory results are obtained with the formulations associating carraghenates and Na+ or K+.